The beautiful and ancient city of Schaffhausen it is located in Switzerland, in the canton of the same name of Schaffausen. This small village is bathed by the waters of the Rhine and this river has always been an asset for the area. In fact, thanks above all to the interruption of the waters near the imposing "Sciaffusa" waterfalls, just outside the town centre, the city in the past became a commercial port and supply base.
The city center is an extraordinary example of Renaissance art and architecture. Schaffhausen is famous for the numerous bow windows of the houses of the old and rich local bourgeois families. Of notable architectural interest is the bow window of the House of the Golden Ox (the “house of the golden ox”) where you can see details depicting the golden ox that gives its name to the palace and other war scenes. If you then keep your gaze up you will notice the colorful frescoes representing lively allegories. These artistic treasures will add a touch of charm to your walks.
Going along the central street Vordergasse, you will arrive at a slightly hilly point from which you can admire the Munot fortress, emerging next to the banks of the Rhine. Important holidays are celebrated in this symbolic place of Schaffhausen; especially in summer it comes alive with dances and historical re-enactments accompanied by the inevitable sparkling fireworks capable of exciting not only adults, but also little travel companions.
From above you can better see the circular plan of the large surface on which the fortress develops. The tower that stands out on the circumference of the fortress guarantees an exceptional panoramic lookout point, right on the banks of the Rhine, from which to observe the dense network of houses in Schaffhausen.
The Munot fortress was built in the 21th century; Since its origins, records have been kept of all the guardians of the fortress who have succeeded one another over time. These have always started the city evening with the ringing of the bell (around XNUMXpm). We recommend that you continue your visit by going to the rich rose garden near the fortress where a flood of scents and colors will leave you speechless.
Almost 10 minutes walk through the streets of the center, starting from Munostieg and arriving at Klusterstrasse, you can admire another fantastic attraction of Schaffhausen, the All Saints convent (Allerhailigen). This building was built in the 12th century and houses a Benedictine community. The original architectural style is Romanesque; However, if you enter the monumental complex you are struck by the lush and splendid cloister where Romanesque and Gothic styles harmoniously meet. It represents the largest cloister in Switzerland, so make sure you don't miss some interesting photo shots.
Near the monument you will also find an area set up as a museum, where you can delve into the history of the religious site; let yourself be involved in one of the frequent and always renewed art exhibitions and be intrigued by the science-related exhibitions to further discover the beauties of nature.
In addition to visiting these places of artistic and historical interest, you can dedicate time to physical activity and excursions. In fact, Schaffhausen is a town full of walkable paths on foot or by bicycle, very well looked after and equipped both to allow tourists to make the most of their excursions and to easily connect the center to the neighboring towns and related places of tourist interest. Plan a nice hike along the Eschheimertalweg.
The path extends over more than 9 kilometers of plain: you will skirt the flourishing expanses of green fields in a route with a maximum difference in altitude of around 150 metres, therefore easily traversable even for less trained walkers. It would be nice to organize an entire day along this path dedicated to a relaxing walk, breathing good air, perhaps enriched by a tasty picnic or a barbecue (you will find equipped areas).
If, however, you are in the center of Schaffhausen and after hours of visiting the beautiful places of the city you are looking for a place to refresh yourself, take the opportunity to try the local cuisine. For example, there is the Sommerlust on the banks of the Rhine: a luxurious restaurant located on one of the streets that runs along the famous river, the Rheinhaldenstrasse. If you love refined cuisine and nature, this place is for you. In addition to candlelit dinners while sipping a good local wine, you can enjoy a characteristic aperitif on the tables in the green area, enveloping your evening in a delightful romantic atmosphere.
At the foot of the Munot fortress, you will find the Güterhof restaurant. This is another very nice place to dine and will delight those who want to have fun dancing on the dance floor set up right in one of the rooms of this venue. Another peculiarity of the Güterhof is the external refreshment area: here, while sipping a cocktail, you will seem to feel the movements of the Rhine waters under your feet, given the extreme proximity to the river.
In the outskirts of Schaffhausen lies one of the most precious places in Switzerland: the Rhine Falls. This unmissable gift of nature boasts the record of the largest waterfall in Europe: with its 150 meters of extension and 23 meters of height, this waterfall will give you one of the most beautiful photographic shots of your stay.
To make the most of this naturalistic experience, then travel on the boat that will take you through the waters of the Rhine, to admire the city from another perspective. Your river journey will start from the land on which the Laufen castle stands, inside which, if you have time to visit it, you will find a museum of the thousand-year history of that place (the Historama) and the Panorama Lift, the glass elevator from which you can admire the wonders of Schaffausen from above and with bated breath.
